COVID-19: Coverage of the pandemic from MPR News

The latest news, resources, guides and tips to help you stay up to date on the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus takes toll on Black, Latino child care providers
Black and Latino child care providers have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic in an industry that has long relied on providers of color. Facing skyrocketing operating costs, reduced capacities and limited federal support, Black and Latino-owned child care centers across the country are at a higher risk for closing permanently.
'Fauci effect' drives record number of medical school applications
The pandemic put a spotlight on health care workers and inspired many to pursue a career in medicine. The record number of applicants comes as the U.S. faces a projected shortage of physicians.
Fauci's plea 'Wear a mask' tops list of 2020 notable quotes
Also on the list is "I can't breathe," the plea George Floyd made repeatedly to police officers holding him down on a Minneapolis street corner. Several quotes from the presidential campaign appear including Joe Biden telling a student: "You're a lying dog-faced pony soldier."
 ‘I don’t wish this to anybody’: How COVID is disproportionately hitting Minnesota’s Latino community
The rising COVID-19 cases are startling everywhere, but the rates in the Latino community in Minnesota and across the country are particularly alarming. Many Latinos work essential jobs that can't be done remotely and are more likely to be exposed to the virus. And those who are not authorized to be in the country are in a particular bind: They don’t qualify for government benefits that can be a financial lifeline for families struggling during the pandemic.
1st doses of COVID-19 vaccine to be administered this week in the U.K.
The U.K. was the first Western country to approve Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine for emergency use. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration could vote to approve the vaccine as early as Thursday.
Minnesota ice fishing contests adapt amid pandemic
Because of restrictions on large social gatherings aimed at preventing the coronavirus’ spread, organizers of many ice fishing events are considering whether to cancel their contests — or even make them virtual events.
Study: Tipped service workers are more vulnerable amid pandemic harassment spike
More than half of workers surveyed said they were reluctant to enforce COVID-19 safety measures with customers from whom they would receive tips, according to the One Fair Wage study.
Dec. 6 update on COVID-19 in MN: Death toll nears 4,000
Minnesota health officials reported another 64 COVID-19 deaths on Sunday, bringing the overall pandemic death toll in the state close to 4,000. The state also recorded another 5,588 COVID cases, pushing the total number past 350,000.